As the crisp autumn air ushers into Derby City it brings along with it annual fall favorites — like Oktoberfest, Harvest Homecoming, the Jack O’Lantern Spectacular, and the St. James Art Fair.

Louisville wouldn’t be the same without these annual traditions, but a few other festivals take a different approach to standard autumnal celebrations.

2026

Goatman Festival
Thursday, Oct. 15-Sunday, Oct. 18

Ain’t no party like a cryptid party. The Legend at Pope Lick Park is honoring the most famous Louisville monster in history, the Goatman — aka the Pope Lick Monster. The event is free and features movie screenings and a Q+A with actual Goatman hunters + cryptid experts.

Iroquois Park Jack o' Lantern Spectacular
Thursday, Oct. 1-Sunday, Nov. 1

Picture this: 5,000 carved pumpkins on a walking path, ready for you and the family to explore. People travel from around the country for this seasonal tradition that happens right here in Louisville's own backyard.

And just when you thought it couldn’t get any weirder… Check out these other unconventional fall festivals happening throughout the region:

2027

Kentucky Bat Festival
Canceled for 2026

Most people believe bats are creepy — thanks Dracula — but Second Chances Wildlife Center loves them. This event, dedicated to the only flying mammal around, is typically held at EP Tom Sawyer State Park and offers the chance to see live bats, talk with bat experts, and meet childrens' storybook character — and bat — Stellaluna. It's tabled for 2026, but we'll keep you posted if we hear the beat of bat wings in 2027.

There's more, too. These other festivals are happening throughout the region next fall:

Woolly Worm Festival

Corn Maze Beer Fest